ABOUT ME

There has been many times in my life that I have used my art to HEAL. It had always been a bit of a joke during the weekly classes I taught for many years, that it was as much a *therapy* session as it was an art class. While said in jest, I knew there was a lot of truth to that statement. Whenever totally involved in any of my art pursuits, I entered a totally different *space*, where time and troubles dissolved and that essential creative spirit totally took over, transporting me to a place of peace and connection to something greater than myself. Some call it God. I call it the Universe, but essentially, whatever the label, I believe, it is the same guiding light, source of comfort and power available to us all, if we just surrender and ALLOW. I am living proof that ART NOT ONLY HEALS, but also opens us up to the joy of being alive, creative and living the dream, despite (and sometimes due to) the challenges everyday life brings.

I have, since 2008, studied to become a Holistic Councilor and qualified Art Therapist/facilitator and teach art journaling/healing classes online. (see classroom for available)

 For me,  HEALING THROUGH ART, really kicked into high gear when I discovered the world of *visual* or Art Journaling when something inside just went *WOW!*. I tried it, I LOVED it and have been doing it ever since. I journal when I am happy, I journal when I am sad or mad, I journal when I am day dreaming, I journal about every day things that seem unimportant at the time and, of course, those wonderful and memorable moments too. I journal LIFE - using whatever medium, technique or art seems appropriate to express the moment. No right or wrong!  It doesn't need to be pretty (although it can be) or the correct composition, it encourages breaking of the rules and gives a FREEDOM to art that is PURE play! It truly links ART to HEART.

Scribble, splash, doodle, glue, stencil, cut, spray, stitch and texture to your heart's content. Anything goes! It is your personal journey and doesn't need to be shared with anyone if you don't want to. Or, if you wish to share, you can leave one on the coffee table and watch how EVERYONE is drawn to pick it up, run their hands over it and take a peek inside! You can take a peek at one of mine below......

This page shown above, with 3D butterfly perched on top is multi-folded so it opens out to reveal even more inside!

Below- Stitched, collaged, painted, pinned and doodled piece on watercolor paper, tucked into a clear pocket inside the book

ALTERED BOOK

Dreams of Childhood pages - painted,  speckled and distressed

AVAILABLE ONLINE CLASSES

ART BOOK/Journals 101